While calcium is an essential mineral for bone health, muscle function, and nerve signaling, consuming it in excess can disrupt the body's delicate balance and lead to a condition known as hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia, an abnormally high concentration of calcium in the blood, can cause a range of health problems from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening complications. It is important to note that most cases of hypercalcemia are caused by underlying medical conditions, such as overactive parathyroid glands or cancer, rather than simply ingesting too much calcium through diet. However, excessive consumption of calcium supplements and certain calcium-fortified products can also contribute to this imbalance, especially in people with pre-existing risk factors.
Symptoms of High Calcium Levels
Symptoms of hypercalcemia can vary widely depending on the severity and duration of the condition. In mild cases, many people experience no symptoms at all, and the condition is only discovered during routine blood tests. As calcium levels rise, however, various parts of the body can be affected, leading to noticeable symptoms:
- Kidneys: The kidneys work harder to filter out excess calcium, which can lead to increased thirst and frequent urination. Over time, this can cause dehydration and potentially result in kidney stones or even kidney failure.
- Digestive System: Hypercalcemia often causes gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, constipation, and loss of appetite. In some severe cases, it can lead to pancreatitis or peptic ulcers.
- Bones and Muscles: The body may pull calcium from bones to balance blood levels, which can weaken the skeletal structure over time. This can result in bone pain, osteoporosis, and an increased risk of fractures. Muscle weakness, aches, and twitches are also common.
- Brain: High calcium levels can affect neurological function, causing fatigue, confusion, depression, or difficulty concentrating. In very severe, untreated cases, it can lead to coma.
- Heart: Hypercalcemia can interfere with the heart's electrical signals, causing abnormal rhythms, palpitations, and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias.
Causes of High Calcium Levels
While consuming too much calcium is a contributing factor, especially from supplements, it is not the only cause. The most common cause is a condition called hyperparathyroidism, where one or more of the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone, the body's primary calcium regulator. Other causes include:
- Cancer: Some cancers, such as lung, breast, and blood cancers, can increase the risk of hypercalcemia by releasing a protein similar to parathyroid hormone or by spreading to the bones.
- Excessive Vitamin D Intake: Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, so taking too much can lead to excessively high calcium levels.
- Other Medical Conditions: Certain diseases like tuberculosis and sarcoidosis can raise blood levels of vitamin D, leading to higher calcium levels. Severe dehydration can also cause a temporary rise in calcium concentration.
- Medications: Some medications, including lithium and certain diuretics, can cause high blood calcium levels.
Supplementation vs. Dietary Calcium
It is rare to get too much calcium from food alone. Most risks are associated with excessive supplementation. For many adults, the tolerable upper intake level for calcium is 2,500 mg per day. However, some experts recommend lower limits for older adults. The body's ability to regulate calcium from dietary sources is more effective than managing large, concentrated doses from supplements.
Calcium from Food vs. Supplements
| Feature | Dietary Calcium | Supplemental Calcium |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt), leafy greens (kale), fortified foods (juices, cereals) | Pills, chews, liquids, and powders, including calcium carbonate and calcium citrate |
| Absorption | Absorbed more gradually and efficiently alongside other nutrients | Better absorbed in smaller doses (under 500-600mg at a time) |
| Risks of Excess | Rarely causes hypercalcemia; generally considered safe | Poses higher risk of hypercalcemia, kidney stones, and potential heart issues |
| Side Effects | Not typically associated with side effects | Can cause constipation, gas, bloating, and interfere with mineral absorption |
| Interactions | Few interactions with medications | Can interfere with antibiotics, thyroid hormones, and other drugs |
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of hypercalcemia involves blood tests to measure calcium and parathyroid hormone levels. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity. For mild cases, simple lifestyle changes may be recommended. For more severe cases, hospitalization and more intensive treatment are often necessary.
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps flush excess calcium from the kidneys and prevents kidney stone formation.
- Dietary Review: A doctor may advise adjusting your intake of calcium-rich foods and supplements.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity, including weight-bearing exercises, helps maintain bone density and can help manage calcium levels.
Medical and Surgical Treatments
- Medications: Bisphosphonates, calcitonin, and corticosteroids can be used to lower calcium levels and inhibit bone breakdown.
- IV Fluids: In severe cases, intravenous fluids are administered to correct dehydration and rapidly lower calcium concentration.
- Surgery: If hyperparathyroidism is the cause, surgery to remove the overactive parathyroid gland(s) may be necessary.
Conclusion
Drinking too much calcium, particularly in the form of supplements, can lead to the serious medical condition of hypercalcemia. While the body naturally regulates calcium from food sources quite effectively, high doses from supplements can overwhelm this system, leading to a host of adverse effects affecting the kidneys, bones, digestive system, and even the heart and brain. Prevention is key and involves adhering to recommended daily intake levels, favoring dietary sources over supplements, and consulting a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications. Always listen to your body and seek medical advice if you experience symptoms like excessive thirst, fatigue, or constipation after taking calcium.
